GSA Daily Staff Report
Published Jan. 27, 2010

John Sowards has been elected as Nexsen Pruet’s chairman of the board. As chairman, Sowards will be responsible for shaping the vision and strategy for the 170-attorney law firm.

“As one of our most successful lawyers, John brings a great deal of talent to the job. The firm is fortunate to have John as its new chairman,” said Leighton Lord, who has served as chairman since November 2005. Lord is stepping down to run for South Carolina attorney general.

Sowards has deep roots at Nexsen Pruet, having joined the firm in 1980, when the firm had one office in Columbia. Nexsen Pruet now has eight offices throughout North and South Carolina.

“Since Nexsen Pruet was founded back in 1945, our attorneys have been committed to serving our clients and our community,” Sowards said. “My goal is to build upon the relationships we already have and to help establish new ones that will flourish.”

Sowards’ legal practice is focused on real estate, corporate and finance law. He has extensive experience with all aspects of shopping center and hotel development, as well as commercial lending, including troubled debt restructuring and workouts. Additionally, he represents businesses on matters related to finance, acquisitions, mergers, employment, contracts and business negotiations.

Before law school, Sowards was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the army and served four years of active duty.

He has been involved in a variety of public service and community service efforts and currently serves as chairman of the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission. Sowards and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Chapin.